University of London
Fire safety arrangements and fire evacuation management
procedures for Senate House and Stewart House
Contents
Fire safety arrangements and fire evacuation management procedures for Senate House and Stewart House .. 1
Part One – Fire Safety Arrangements ................................................................................................................. 2
1.
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 2
2.
Fire Risk Assessment ................................................................................................................................. 2
3.
Action to be taken by a person discovering a fire ....................................................................................... 2
4.
Action to be taken by occupants on hearing the Fire Alarm ....................................................................... 2
5.
The Fire Alarm System ............................................................................................................................... 2
Stewart House Only ............................................................................................................................................ 3
6.
Fire safety signage ...................................................................................................................................... 3
7.
Fire extinguishers ........................................................................................................................................ 3
8.
How the emergency services are to be called ............................................................................................ 3
9.
Fire marshals .............................................................................................................................................. 4
10.
Building exits and assembly points ......................................................................................................... 4
11.
Evacuation of disabled persons .............................................................................................................. 4
12.
Specific arrangement for high fire risk areas .......................................................................................... 5
13.
Staff Training ........................................................................................................................................... 5
Part Two – Fire Evacuation Management Procedures ...................................................................................... 5
14.
Fire alarm procedures for Security Staff in SENATE HOUSE .......................................................... 5
DAY (0900 – 1800) ............................................................................................................................................. 5
NIGHT (1800 – 0800) ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Evacuation Chairs and Staff ............................................................................................................................... 7
15.
Fire alarm procedures for Security Staff in STEWART HOUSE ....................................................... 7
DAY (0900 – 1800) ............................................................................................................................................. 7
NIGHT (1800 – 0800) ......................................................................................................................................... 7
ULCC VESDA alarm ............................................................................................................................................... 8
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Part One – Fire Safety Arrangements
1.
Introduction
This document sets out all aspects of the fire precautions and procedures in force at Senate
House and Stewart House, University of London. It is essential to note the fire alarm
systems in each building are linked and fully networked. Therefore if a smoke detector or a
call point is activated in one building, the location of the activation will appear on each fire
alarm panel and the alarm will sound in both buildings simultaneously. Both buildings are
also physically linked via through corridors on certain levels and this allows the joint use of
the evacuation staircases in either building if necessary.
2.
Fire Risk Assessment
As required by the Regulatory Reform Order (Fire Safety) 2005, each building has a fire risk
assessment that has been prepared by a competent person. The fire risk assessments
cover the building occupancy levels, the alarm system, fire marshalling, staff training,
provision of fire extinguishers, maintenance of equipment, widths of staircases and final exit
doors, etc. for each of the two buildings. These documents are kept up-to-date to reflect any
material changes in usage, layout, etc and are held on file by Property & Facilities
Management (P&FM). The London Fire and Rescue Service will periodically ask to view the
fire risk assessments and may comment on whether they consider them to be suitable and
sufficient and they may offer advice or even insist on improvements to the fire safety
arrangements in force if they feel that to be necessary.
3.
Action to be taken by a person discovering a fire
In the event of any person discovering a fire, the alarm should be raised by pressing the
nearest manual call point.
4.
Action to be taken by occupants on hearing the Fire Alarm
All staff, students, visitors, contractors etc should leave the building in a safe and orderly
manner by the nearest exit. If leaving by the main reception desks at the North and South
ends of the building please give any relevant information regarding the fire to
security/reception. If exiting through any of the other exits please pass this information to the
fire marshals or security officers.
5.
The Fire Alarm System
Both buildings are linked and fully networked to the same fire alarm system and therefore if a
smoke detector or a call point is activated in one building, the alarm will sound in both
buildings simultaneously. Manual alarm call points are provided at all storey exits, final exits
and other strategic points throughout the buildings. Alarm sounders are situated throughout
the buildings to provide audible cover in all areas.
A two stage fire alarm system operates throughout Stewart House and all areas of Senate
House, except above the 7th floor of the tower between 07.30hrs to 19.00hrs (Monday –
Friday). When an AFD device (smoke or heat detector) activates, 5 minutes are allowed to
investigate the cause and confirm if a fire is present or not. If the main reception desk at
South Block is not informed within the 5 minutes, the system goes into full alarm. The
system will also go into full alarm if:
(a)
a Manual Call Point is activated or
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(b)
more than one AFD device activates detector is showing fire or
(c)
the AFD device that activated is situated above the 7th floor of the tower since it is not
possible to reach that area to investigate within 5 minutes.
The two stage system is enabled by the duty engineer (from Cofely) at approximately 07:30
each weekday morning and the exact time is recorded in the logbook kept at Senate House
main reception. The two stage system is disabled each evening around 19:00 and the exact
time is recorded in the log book – the two stage system may be extended beyond 19:00 if
there is an evening event taking place and an extension was considered practical after a risk
assessment of the individual circumstances that takes into account the number of security
staff on duty, etc.
At all other times a single stage alarm system operates.
Stewart House Only
A VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Alarm) system operates in the ULCC Data Centre
located in the basement of Stewart House. If the VESDA units pick up any smoke particles
in the air, an intermittent alarm will sound on the Ground and Basement floors of Stewart
House. Also when activated the VESDA system appears as a zone on the Stewart House
fire alarm panel. If this happens it is important that ULCC are contacted immediately and
P&FM, plus Cofely maintenance teams are informed ASAP. The Data Centre is protected by
an Argonite gas suppression system which when in automatic mode will ‘dump’ the gas
should two adjacent fire alarm detectors in the data centre be activated.
If the detectors on the ceiling of the suite are activated the whole of Senate and
Stewart House will be evacuated by the main Fire Alarm. See Appendix A
6.
Fire safety signage
All rooms with more than one exit have those exits marked with fire exit signage that meets
the safety signs and signals regulations. Outside individual rooms there is suitable and
sufficient fire exit direction signage in all areas to guide occupants from any area to the
outside of the building.
7.
Fire extinguishers
Adequate numbers of fire extinguishers – water and carbon dioxide ate provided close to
each storey exit and at other strategic points throughout the buildings. Floors 1-4 of Stewart
house are equipped with hose reels. There are dry risers on the following staircases in
Senate House: (a) T1 Staircase; (b) No. 4 Staircase;
(c) No. 10 Staircase; (d) No. 2
Staircase; (e) No. 7 Staircase.
8.
How the emergency services are to be called
In normal working hours the fire brigade is called by the receptionist at the Senate House
main reception as directed by senior staff or security manager attending the fire panel. The
Senate House reception is manned 24/7 hours. Outside normal working hours a member of
the security staff has responsibility to call the fire brigade and liaise with the Fire Brigade
when they arrive on site or hand this task over to the security manager if available. Detailed
procedures for security staff in the event of a fire alarm at any time are set out further below.
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9.
Fire marshals
The buildings are divided up into a series of zones with each zone covering part of a floor.
Each zone has a designated zone fire marshal and a deputy. Zone fire marshals are
members of UoL staff or staff from the several other tenanted areas in the buildings. When
an alarm sounds during normal operational hours, zone fire marshals quickly sweep their
area of responsibility to determine whether occupants have heard and understood the fire
alarm. They also assist disabled persons or report their location and any other noted
problems to a fire brigade officer, a security officer or a senior member of staff.
A full list of the current zone fire marshals is available on the intranet.
Obviously, not all zone fire marshals will be present at all times. Accordingly, during normal
operational hours all staff are expected to act as basic fire marshals when an alarm sounds –
leaving promptly, advising visitors, assisting disabled persons or reporting their location as
above.
When large functions are being held e.g. weddings, the UoL Conference Manager will ensure
that additional security staff have been engaged to act as fire marshals or that adequate
numbers of catering or other staff servicing the function are aware of the fire evacuation
procedures and are adequately briefed to act as fire marshals at the function to advise and
assist the guests in safe evacuation from the building.
10.
Building exits and assembly points
All final exit doors open to a place of relative safety, they are either push bar operated or
already in the open position. Where doors are held in the shut position for controlled access
via a swipe card, these doors default to open in the event of fire alarm activation. There is a
manual override box adjacent to each swipe card door which can be operated in the event of
a system malfunction.
Since it is not possible to maintain a checklist of occupants, the assembly points are simply
‘anywhere well away from the buildings’ and ‘off the street’ e.g. 100 metres in any direction.
However, four assembly points are traditionally used
1.
Pavement along Malet Street Sunken Gardens
2.
Pavements in Montague Place by British Museum
3.
The pedestrianised area of Thornhaugh Street between SOAS and the Institute of
Education
4.
The pavement in front of 25-30 Russell Square
11.
Evacuation of disabled persons
There are protected refuge points on all floors with a communication link to the reception
desk, disabled staff or visitors are to assemble here in the event of a fire. Reception will
keep them informed regarding their personal safety. There are evacuation chairs sited in the
following locations:
•
South Block Main Reception
•
North Block Reception
•
Library 4th Floor adjacent to main lifts
•
Stewart House reception.
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12.
Specific arrangement for high fire risk areas
There are no areas deemed as high risk e.g. flammable liquid or gas storage, within the
building.
13.
Staff Training
All UoL staff receives training in fire awareness at their induction session held by UoL staff
development section. Zone fire marshals receive specific fire marshal training using the
Essex Fire Services DVD - ‘Fire Marshalling’ along with further information from UoL’s fire
safety adviser. Security staff receives similar specific training plus fire investigation
techniques for the two stage system and the use of evacuation chairs.
Part Two – Fire Evacuation Management Procedures
14.
Fire alarm procedures for Security Staff in SENATE HOUSE
FIRE ALARM TESTING IS CARRIED OUT AT 09:30 EVERY THURSDAY. IF THE ALARM
IS ACTIVATED AT ANY OTHER TIME WE MUST ASUME IT IS A LEGITIMATE ALARM IN
PROGRESS.
There are Fire alarm panels located throughout the buildings at Senate House. The master
fire alarm panel is situated in room SB50, ground floor, Senate House. The panel is located
through the revolving door, first left into Staircase 1 and it is the very first door on the left
marked SB50. There is a slave panel which is used by Security on the rear wall of
South Block Reception, this displays all relevant information and enables Officers to
view location of alarm, initiated an evacuation, silence, reset and resound the alarm if
necessary.
DAY (0900 – 1800)
During Monday - Friday daytime, Senate House operates a 5 min delayed reaction to allow
time to investigate all fire alarm alerts. If the panel has not been changed over by Cofely
staff to delayed alarm by 08:00, as detailed in a log book behind the Reception, then
Security/Receptionist must contact extension 8123 and escalate to the Security Manager
where necessary.
The only time the fire alarm will activate without delay is either:
•
When an MCP is broken
•
More than 1 smoke or heat detector is activated
•
The AFD device that activated is situated above the 7th floor of the tower
In the above cases it is the responsibility of the Security/Receptionist at South Block to call
the Fire Brigade as they are in the best position to access the information from the fire panel
behind the Reception.
In any other case, the panel will go into Delayed Alarm, sounding from the panel in a
consistent pulse. The instructions below are to be carried out:
•
When the fire alarm panel sounds the Security/Receptionist must check on the fire
panel to ascertain where the alarm has been activated.
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•
Security/Receptionist must ensure they have the radio, keys and access card for the
building which are kept in a secure pouch at the Reception.
•
Security/Receptionist must alert the telephone switchboard operator who will place the
telephone switchboard in night mode. Security/Receptionist will position themselves
at the fire panel by reception with a radio. Cofely maintenance staff or the security
manager (the Operative) will investigate the alarm leaving the Security/Receptionist by
the fire panel.
•
If the investigation determines that the activation was a false alarm the Operative then
needs to radio Reception and inform them to silence the alarm and reset the panel
once the alarm has been cleared. The fire alarm Incident Report must then be filled in
and emailed to the Security Manager.
IF A FIRE IS DISCOVERED:
•
The Operative must radio Reception, request the alarm to be activated and also ask
for the fire brigade to be contacted.
•
The Operative investigating the alarm will return to Reception and evacuate the
building ensuring the Fire Brigade has been contacted.
•
The Security Manager will be briefed via radio
•
Once the all clear has been given by the fire brigade it is the Security/Receptionists
duty to assist in the re-entry of the building ensuring Security staff, Library staff and
Catering staff are permitted re-entry first by the Montague Place entrance.
•
The Malet Street Fire exit is for egress only and should be secured once the all clear
is given.
•
General access back into South Block is via the main entrance only.
•
Any Fire Marshal lists must be passed to Senate House Reception FAO the Health
and Safety Representative
NIGHT (1800 – 0800)
During the evening the South Block is locked down but is still the active panel which staff
must use in the event of activation. In the event of night time activation, the Fire Brigade must
be called out immediately and the building evacuated.
In the evening, if the alarm is activated, Security Officers must ensure they are in the correct
positions for assisting with egress to the premises. There are typically 3 Officers on any
given night shift and each Officer must be positioned to their corresponding exit:
•
Stewart House - main entrance
•
Senate House – reception fire alarm panel
•
Patrol Officer - carry out the alarm response and Emergency services call out
In the event of night time activation and it is a confirmed false alarm by the Fire Brigade, the
D.O.B. and Incident Report Form are to be completed with relevant Officer details, times,
Brigade details etc and handed over to the Security Manager a.s.a.p.
In the event of Fire, once the Fire Brigade have been confirmed as attending, contact the
Security Manager and the Contracts Manager a.s.a.p. to escalate the incident and ensure that
the Emergency Procedures are followed.
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Evacuation Chairs and Staff
Security and Porters are trained in the safe use of Evac Chairs. It is important that one
Operative/Manager and one porter from the UoL team are stationed at each reception should
the need arise to carry out a controlled evacuation in the event of an emergency. If a
disabled person refuses to be evacuated, take details of location and inform Fire Officer on
attendance.
15.
Fire alarm procedures for Security Staff in STEWART HOUSE
FIRE ALARM TESTING IS CARRIED OUT AT 09:30 EVERY THURSDAY. IF THE ALARM
IS ACTIVATED AT ANY OTHER TIME WE MUST ASUME IT IS A LIGITIMATE ALARM IN
PROGRESS.
The fire panel at Stewart House is situated in room STG02 directly behind the Reception
Desk, on the wall to the left of the door. Although this is operational it is important that
Security Operatives do not use this panel as the main operator.
DAY (0900 – 1800)
If an alarm sounds:
•
Operatives in Stewart House must take a radio each.
•
One Operative should make their way to the two Stewart House Fire Exits (Stair 3 and
Stair 4) on Montague Place. The second Operative must assist with egress at the
main Reception, opening all doors in the event of high numbers evacuating.
•
Once the all clear has been given the Operatives must monitor the re-entry of all staff
into the building. There is no access back into the building from Staircase 3. Staff
may use either Staircase 4 or make their way to the front entrance.
•
The Reception Operative must assist with re-entry through the main entrance.
•
The Fire Exit Operative must ensure the Fire Exits are secure before returning to their
post.
•
The Reception Operative must reset the doors to Career Service on the 1st Floor and
SAS on the 2nd floor.
•
The Reception Operative is to check the SGS to ensure the System State window is
clear from ‘open door alarms’ – update the Fire Exit Operative accordingly.
•
Any Fire Marshall lists must be passed to the Stewart House Reception FAO the
Health and Safety Representative.
NIGHT (1800 – 0800)
In the event of night time activation, the Fire Brigade must be called out immediately and the
building evacuated. The Reception Operative must:
•
Once alarm is activated ensure you have radio contact with other Operatives to
ensure the Fire Brigade has been called out.
•
The Operative needs to check the out of hours sign in – out log to ascertain whether
the building is empty.
•
Ensure all doors at the main Reception are open in the event of high numbers
evacuating.
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•
Once the all clear is given ensure the safe re-entry to the building checking the out of
hours sign in – out log.
•
Secure the main doors and review the SGS System State window to ensure all doors
are secure.
•
The Operative must then wait for the Patrol Operative / Supervisor to attend to check
the Fire Exits around the building.
Please note: in the evening, if the alarm is activated, Security Operatives must ensure they
are in the correct positions across the Senate House and Stewart House complex for
assisting with egress of the premises. There are typically 3 Officers on any given night shift
and each Officer must be positioned to their corresponding exit:
•
Stewart House main entrance
•
Stewart House Montague Place exits
•
Patrol Officer - carry out the alarm response and Emergency services call out
In the event of night time activation and it is a confirmed false alarm by the Fire Brigade, the
D.O.B. and Incident Report Form are to be completed with relevant Operative details, times,
Brigade details etc and handed over to the Security Manager asap.
In the event of Fire, once the Fire Brigade have been confirmed as attending, contact the
Security Manager and the Contracts Manager a.s.a.p. to escalate the incident and ensure
that the Emergency Procedures are followed.
Appendix A
ULCC VESDA alarm
The basement in Stewart House is occupied by ULCC data centre. As this area is highly
sensitive, ULCC have imposed strict security and safety procedures. One of the safety
features which works with the fire alarm is the VESDA system. VESDA stands for Very
Early Smoke Detection Alarm.
If the VESDA units, that measure the air in the data centre, pick up any smoke particles in
the air an intermittent alarm will sound on the Ground and Basement floors of Stewart House.
Also when activated the VESDA system appears as a zone on the Stewart House fire alarm
panel. If this happens it is important that ULCC are contacted immediately and that P&FM
and Cofely maintenance teams are informed ASAP. If the detectors on the ceiling of the
suite are activated the whole of Senate and Stewart House will be evacuated by the main
Fire Alarm.
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